Engineers agreement

DEFENCE and Engineers Australia have formally recognised their relationship.

CDF General Peter Cosgrove has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Engineers Australia president Doug Jones.

Underpinning the agreement is a standing offer for Engineers Australia to provide professional development for Defence services and groups.

Services and groups will continue to control their own requirements and funding priorities, but those areas wishing to establish new programs will not need to raise a separate standing offer.

Instead, Defence groups not currently participating in engineering professional development programs can establish one under the new agreement.

Those with standing offers that are due to expire will come under the agreement, saving the need for negotiation.

Coverage under the one standing offer is expected to save Defence about $65,000 in the 2005-06 financial year, and up to $250,000 annually by 2008-09.

Inquires regarding the agreement should be directed to the Assistant Director Training Systems Policy, Lieutenant-Colonel David Mann, on (02) 6266 3554 or email David.Mann@defence.gov.au.

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